MS in Learning Design and Technology
As an online student, most of your interactions with the university will be done through various websites. For example:
Ashleigh Zellmer
(619) 260-4749


Our number one priority is you! Our team has prepared a checklist of items that will set you up for success and clarify all action items as a new student. After you are enrolled for your first term and receive a confirmation email from a member of our team, please complete and review all of the following before classes start.
This webinar will provide a comprehensive look at your program and what to expect as an online learner, including resources and tips for success. Each webinar should last around 30-40 minutes. Once you have been registered for classes and received a confirmation email from our team, you will be emailed the link to schedule your welcome webinar to your @sandiego.edu email address.
In this call, you’ll “meet” a member of your Student Success Team for your program. This will be a chance for us to answer any additional questions you have before you start your first term. Please be sure to have any Canvas-related, program-related, or finance-related questions prepared. After attending the Welcome Webinar, you will be prompted to schedule your call using a scheduling link.
Once you have been registered in your classes, you will be able to access your New Student Orientation Course on Canvas within 4 hours. When accessing Canvas, please make sure to use Firefox or Chrome as your browser.
The New Student Orientation course is designed to help you navigate your way around your course's layout prior to beginning your first class. You will learn where to find the syllabus, course schedule, assignments, and discussion boards.
Your Orientation is mandatory, and must be completed before the first day of class—so we encourage you to get started! Please plan to spend about 6-8 hours completing the Orientation course. You can move through the Orientation at your own pace, so schedule your time accordingly.
Looking for assistance?
All students in the online MS-LDT program require current access to Articulate360 tools for various assignments and projects. The University of San Diego will issue a one-time, discounted tech fee of $280 for all first-semester students to be granted access to an Articulate360 account. Visit the "Tuition and Payment Methods" section for more information.
If you need an Articulate360 account, no action is required. More details will be shared at the start of your program.
If you do not need an Articulate360 account, be sure to submit your waiver request by submitting the Waiver Request Form. Please note that Artilcuate360 access cannot be granted after the first day of class, so only submit the waiver if you already have an account to use with access to the required tools. Visit the "Tuition and Payment Methods" section for more information.
We recommend that students start this planning early as some funding sources can take some time to process. Tuition payments should be completed in full by the first day of the semester. Visit the "Tuition and Payment Methods" section for more information.
Please make sure to review your student handbook prior to the first day of class, and reference it as needed throughout your program. The handbook is where you can find information on academic expectations, drop and refund policy, technology requirements, curriculum, frequently asked questions, and more.

Below is a list of significant dates regarding the registration process, payment deadlines, and other important academic and program deadlines.
Fall 2026 Dates and Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | June 29, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | July 31, 2026 |
| Registration Deadline | August 14, 2026 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | August 28, 2026 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Tuition Refund* | August 31, 2026 |
| Payment Due Date | September 1, 2026 |
| Semester Begins | September 1, 2026 |
| First Course Start Date | September 1, 2026 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Tuition Refund/ Drop Deadline* | September 4, 2026 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | September 28, 2026 |
| First Course End Date | October 19, 2026 |
| Second Course Start Date | October 20, 2026 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | November 2, 2026 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | November 16, 2026 |
| Second Course End Date | December 7, 2026 |
| Semester Ends | December 7, 2026 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | December 21, 2026 |
Spring 2027 Dates and Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | November 2, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | November 30, 2026 |
| Registration Deadline | December 14, 2026 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | January 1, 2027 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Tuition Refund* | January 4, 2027 |
| Payment Due Date | January 5, 2027 |
| Semester Begins | January 5, 2027 |
| First Course Start Date | January 5, 2027 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Tuition Refund/ Drop Deadline* | January 8, 2027 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | February 1, 2027 |
| First Course End Date | February 22, 2027 |
| Second Course Start Date | February 23, 2027 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | March 8, 2027 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | March 22, 2027 |
| Second Course End Date | April 12, 2027 |
| Semester Ends | April 12, 2027 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | April 26, 2027 |
Summer 2027 Dates and Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | March 1, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | April 2, 2027 |
| Registration Deadline | April 16, 2027 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | April 30, 2027 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Tuition Refund* | May 3, 2027 |
| Payment Due Date | May 4, 2027 |
| Semester Begins | May 4, 2027 |
| First Course Start Date | May 4, 2027 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Tuition Refund/ Drop Deadline* | May 7, 2027 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | May 31, 2027 |
| First Course End Date | June 21, 2027 |
| Second Course Start Date | June 22, 2027 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | July 5, 2027 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | July 19, 2027 |
| Second Course End Date | August 9, 2027 |
| Semester Ends | August 9, 2027 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | August 23, 2027 |
Don't miss out on connecting with your University of San Diego global community through a variety of events - featuring academic workshops, cultural celebrations, networking events, and more. There’s something for everyone!
You have most likely already filled out an Enrollment Commitment, which enables our team to register you for classes each term. No further action is required on your part, but you may view your course registration on your MySanDiego portal.
If you are not able to register for both of your courses in a given term, please contact your Program Coordinator or email [email protected] immediately. This often happens for students who need to take a leave of absence.
Students are required to have their textbooks on hand by the first day of class. Unless otherwise specified, students may select any vendor they prefer (such as Amazon.com, Half.com, Alibris.com, etc.) to purchase their course materials. In the event a specific vendor is required, it will be specified in the course materials list. The best way to ensure that you have the correct book is to search by the ISBN number(s) listed on the book list.
Physical copies of books are not on hand at the USD Torero Store. The USD Torero online store does offer price comparisons for different online vendors for some books.
Although all textbooks for all courses are listed, students only need to purchase the items for the classes they are taking for the semester.
If your course is indicated to have a "Digital Inclusive Access" textbook, you do have the option to use the integrated Vitalsource e-textbook without needing to purchase a textbook through an outside vendor. For more information, view the "Digital Inclusive Access" FAQs document.
By using Vitalsource e-Textbooks, students are able to use study tools in Bookshelf such as highlighting, printing limited pages/chapters, sharing notes, and using the Bookshelf CoachMe tool to test their learning while they read.
Tuition at USD is billed per semester, not per course. Payment (or enrollment in an official USD payment plan) is always due by the first day of the semester. Students may not carry balances from one semester to the next.
Accounts with outstanding balances after the official payment due date may be subject to course cancellations/removal or a student account hold during the semester; related holds can prevent upcoming registration, graduation, or obtaining transcripts.
Remember: tuition is always due by the first day of each semester.
Tuition amounts shown on this website, or in other university publications or web pages, represent tuition and fees as currently approved. However, the University of San Diego reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice and to make such modifications applicable to students enrolled at USD at that time as well as to incoming students. In addition, all tuition amounts and fees are subject to change at any time for correction of errors.
Once you have been registered for your courses, your student account will reflect the appropriate tuition costs according to your program. Payments not received by the deadlines are subject to late fees. Your program’s tuition is the following:
Students who need to re-take or withdraw from a course may need to pay additional fees according to the Refund/Drop Deadline policies listed in your Student Handbook.
If you have any questions about your Student Account, please reach out to the Torero Hub by submitting their inquiry form or phone at 619-260-2700. All costs and fees are subject to change and are based on the academic year of enrollment.
All students in the online MS-LDT program require current access to Articulate360 software for various assignments and projects. The University of San Diego will issue a one-time, discounted tech fee of $280 for all first-semester students to be granted access to an Articulate360 account. The account suite will grant access to the following tools:
Students that already have access to Articulate360 and the required tools can waive this one-time fee by submitting the Waiver Request Form. Please only submit a waiver if you already have access to the following required tools: Storyline 360, Rise 360, Content Library 360, and Review 360.
All enrolled students will have access to Articulate360. If you file a Leave of Absence, withdraw/drop a course, or graduate from the program, access will be terminated until you enroll again in the program.
Students will have access to Articulate 360 while enrolled as a student and for up to 6 months after graduation. After the 6 month period, it is the responsibility of the student to pursue an individual purchase/subscription to maintain access to the editing tools and systems involved. Even once the university-sponsored coverage ends, the projects and files will remain on the Articulate 360 account, but students won't be able to work on them using the software until a new license/subscription is purchased. Students would, however, be able to access to all the files they created and "forever" access to whatever they published to Review 360.
Students will be registered for their prescribed courses each semester. All courses must be dropped prior to the first day of the semester to receive a 100% tuition refund and within the first three days of the start date of the semester to receive a 95% tuition refund. No refund (reversal of tuition) will be provided after the third day of the semester for any class.
You can track your progress toward earning your degree using the Degree Works feature in your MySanDiego student portal. Degree Works shows you which courses you have completed, grades, cumulative GPA, any outstanding graduation requirements, and more!
To access Degree Works:
Submitting your petition to graduate is a requirement for every student. About a semester before your final term, you will be reminded by your Program Coordinator to submit your petition to graduate. Once completed, your Academic Coordinator will review your academic record and contact you if there are any outstanding requirements or issues.
If you are planning on participating in the commencement ceremony (which means walking in your cap and gown here on campus), you will be invited to come to the University of San Diego to participate in the ceremony. Commencement details and information will be sent from your Student Success Team around the month of February.
The Registrar will process their final audit of the degrees 6-8 weeks after grades are posted for your final semester. Once the degree is conferred in the system, the Registrar will order your diploma from the vendor and the vendor will send it to you directly to the address that was listed on your petition to graduate.
If your mailing address changes after you submit your Petition to Graduate, please notify the Graduate Records office at (619) 260-2217 or [email protected].
You will receive a digital diploma to your @sandiego.edu email address once your degree has been officially conferred.
You will also receive a physical diploma. Mailing time is an additional 6-8 weeks from the date of order, and you will likely receive your diploma in the mail in 3-4 months after you have completed your degree requirements.
The 30-unit program will consist of ten courses. Courses will be offered year-round with three semesters every year; Spring, Summer, and Fall. Each semester will last 14 weeks. Students will take two courses per semester. Courses will run for seven weeks each with a one or two-week break in between semesters. This intensive format will allow students to focus on one course at a time and to still complete the degree program in 20 months.

This course focuses on the field of instructional and learning design. Students will examine foundational theories of learning and cognition, the instructional design process, and human-centered design thinking strategies. By identifying real-world instructional challenges, students apply research-based approaches to solving knowledge and skills gap problems that occur in a variety of workplace, education, and organizational settings. In this foundational course, students actively engage in various instructional design process activities that build professional competency. The course learning experience includes an introduction to AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM for productivity and self-regulated learning.
This course introduces research-based principles of effective multimedia design and the creation of original media that aligns with those principles. Students examine common learning technologies used in the development phase of the instructional design process, including eLearning authoring software (such as Articulate Storyline 360 and Rise 360) and Generative AI tools. Students apply principles of visual and graphic design to storyboard and prototype interactive learning experiences. Generative AI is integrated as a productivity tool to support ideation, rapid prototyping, and the creation of interactive eLearning activities. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating and refining AI-assisted outputs to ensure they align with learning goals and professional instructional design standards. Prerequisite: LDT 500A
This course examines advanced topics in instructional design, including needs assessment, learner characteristics, alignment of learning objectives, instructional strategies, and formative and summative assessments. Students engage with generative AI tools as professional design partners to support instructional ideation, scenario development, and activity design, while learning to critically evaluate AI-generated outputs using evidence from learning science.
Students will explore critical theories of learning and motivation and the ethical responsibility of instructional designers to analyze and dispel common myths and misapplication of these concepts, including those that may be introduced or amplified by AI systems. The course emphasizes the application of sound design principles to plan, design, evaluate, and refine inclusive learning experiences that are grounded in research and responsive to real-world contexts. Prerequisites: LDT 500A & LDT 500B
This course explores the artistic and technical aspects of creating engaging and accessible digital media for diverse learners. Students examine research-based and ethical approaches to multimedia design to develop ADA-compliant learning artifacts. Students will apply appropriate federal and state laws guiding accessible design requirements, and explore professional guidelines such as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. Students leverage Generative AI as an industry tool to streamline professional workflows and create accessibility resources used in the field, while critically assessing AI outputs for correctness and quality. Design decisions are evaluated through a Learner Experience (LX) design rubric to ensure effective, equitable, and professional information delivery. Prerequisites: LDT 500A & LDT 500B
This course explores the lifecycle of digital assets and artifacts within instructional systems, from initial needs assessment to final implementation. Students analyze assets as critical system inputs--ranging from tangible media and AI-generated content to intangible learner prior knowledge. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the legal and ethical landscapes of instructional design. Students will navigate the complexities of U.S. Copyright law, the TEACH Act, and Creative Commons, with a specific focus on the emerging intellectual property challenges posed by Generative AI.
Through case studies and hands-on design, students conduct needs assessments to evaluate assets for pedagogical alignment, accessibility, and technical feasibility. The course further examines the shift toward authentic assessment and the disruptive impact of Generative AI on learning. By the conclusion of the course, students will be able to craft ethically sound, comprehensive design plans that balance the risks and liabilities of copyright with the innovative potential of modern instructional tools. Prerequisites: LDT 500A & LDT 500B
This course establishes the foundations for ethical leadership within the digital learning landscape. Students develop essential skills for leading cross-functional remote teams, managing complex project delivery, and navigating the requirements of regulatory bodies (e.g., Accreditation, Accessibility, and GDPR). Students will use Generative AI as a strategic tool to enhance research, facilitate project management tasks, and streamline professional communication. Through a user-centric lens, students map learner journeys and synthesize their expertise into a comprehensive business plan for an online program. Prerequisites: LDT 500A & LDT 500B
This course examines theories and techniques for assessing and evaluating educational and training programs, with an emphasis on contemporary, technology-supported evaluation practices. Students apply methodologies to identify needs, establish measurable objectives, and design, test, and refine assessment and evaluation plans for educational, training, and adult learning environments. Students will examine practical applications of Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Training Evaluation and how they are supported by generative AI to draft, analyze, and pressure-test assessment and evaluation artifacts. Through an applied case study, students will demonstrate workforce-ready competencies in program evaluation and assessment best practices, informed by AI literacy and responsible use. Prerequisites: LDT 500A & LDT 500B
This course prepares students to critically engage with educational research to inform effective, evidence-based decisions in learning design and instructional technology. Students will identify a real-world problem of practice, conduct a scholarly literature review, and design an actionable research proposal to address it. Through scaffolded assignments and collaborative peer feedback, students will analyze current research, develop well-aligned research questions, and explore appropriate methodologies, ethical considerations, and data presentation strategies. Throughout the course, students will engage with generative AI tools as analytic and reflective supports, using them to interrogate ideas, surface assumptions, and refine scholarly reasoning. By the end of the course, students will not only produce a comprehensive research proposal but also reflect on how educational research shapes their professional identity and strengthens their ability to justify design decisions grounded in data and theory. Prerequisites: LDT 500A & LDT 500B
Designed as a dynamic exploratory lab, this course explores the rapidly evolving landscape of learning technologies with content that continuously adapts to reflect the latest industry advancements. Students evaluate the value and practical application of cutting-edge tools in creating high-impact learning activities for diverse learning and development contexts. Students will actively engage in the applied use of generative AI to create diverse training content, such as animated training videos and AI-powered chatbot tutorials, aligned with the specific learning needs of their Capstone project. By assessing real-time learning design trends and the ethical implications of rapid tech adoption, students learn to move beyond the hype and make responsible, research-based recommendations for technology deployment in the modern workforce. Prerequisites: LDT 500A & LDT 500B
This Capstone course is the culminating assessment of the Master of Science in Learning Design and Technology. In this course, students will demonstrate all program learning outcomes through an instructional design portfolio project that showcases their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field. They’ll complete a two-module online course that reflects their ability to apply learning theories, instructional design processes, and technology integration to address a specific instructional need for a target audience. Additionally, students will engage in peer evaluation to demonstrate critical evaluation skills against ethical, quality, research-based, and professional standards in learning design and technology. Throughout the online course design process, students are encouraged to collaborate with AI systems, assess output accuracy, document transparent use, and justify the strategic application of AI as a professional tool of the trade. Prerequisites: LDT 500A, LDT 500B, LDT 520, LDT 530, LDT 535, LDT 540, LDT 545, LDT 550, and LDT 555
This list is helpful resources that will set you up for success. Haven’t written in APA formatting since your undergraduate program? We’ve got you covered! Want to know what type of computer you will need? No problem. We have listed helpful resources below.
You must own or have unrestricted access to a computer for this program. Courses will utilize a variety of technologies and multimedia. To complete course activities and to access course content, please verify that you have the following technologies and plug-ins available:
All students in the online MS-LDT program require current access to Articulate360 software for various assignments and projects. The University of San Diego will issue a one-time, discounted tech fee of $280 for all first-semester students to be granted access to an Articulate360 account. The account suite will grant access to the following tools:
Students that already have access to Articulate360 and the required tools can waive this one-time fee by submitting the Waiver Request form. Please only submit a waiver if you already have access to the following required tools: Storyline 360, Rise 360, Content Library 360, and Review 360.
All enrolled students will have access to Articulate360. If you file a Leave of Absence, withdraw/drop a course, or graduate from the program, access will be terminated until you enroll again in the program.
Students will have access to Articulate 360 while enrolled as a student and for up to 6 months after graduation. After the 6 month period, it is the responsibility of the student to pursue an individual purchase/subscription to maintain access to the editing tools and systems involved. Even once the university-sponsored coverage ends, the projects and files will remain on the Articulate 360 account, but students won't be able to work on them using the software until a new license/subscription is purchased. Students would, however, be able to access to all the files they created and "forever" access to whatever they published to Review 360.
All writing assignments must be formatted according to APA standards. Discussion posts must contain the appropriate APA citations. If you want additional writing support, we recommend Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL@Purdue). In addition to general writing support, the website includes a special section dedicated to APA formatting guidelines.
Another helpful writing resource is the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) Graduate Student Writing Center. Enrolled students can submit assignments for review by a writing professional.
View our virtual workshop, "Online Learning Unlocked: Strategies, Resources & Collaboration," which will equip you with practical knowledge and skills to apply tangible strategies to learn online in an asynchronous environment throughout your Master's Degree!
With the rise of AI writing assistants, students must ensure that they use this new technology ethically and honestly. Consult this document for guidance.
LDT Artificial Intelligence guidelines and positionality statement document.
View the Navigating Generative AI Workshop recording.
Review the Mastering Research in the AI and Digital Age recording.
NotebookLM is an AI-powered research assistant that can help you get to critical insights faster and easier, all grounded in the information you provide. Upload your sources and NotebookLM will summarize your information and make interesting connections between topics. Listen and learn on the go by turning your sources into engaging audio and video discussions. Access it through any web browser or via its mobile app (iOS and Android). Leveraging NotebookLM for Your Graduate Studies at USD guide.
Students at the University of San Diego are able to download Microsoft Office 365 for free! If you don’t have it already, you can download the Microsoft Office 365 suite using your USD student email.
Students at the University of San Diego were invited to attend this session focused on applying strategies to accelerate their reading and information processing.
View the 3-minute summary video on academic skimming.

USD does not offer subject-specific tutoring resources, so students who are looking for tutoring support are encouraged to identify a tutor using Wyzant.com. Please note that Wyzant is not a USD-managed resource, so use it at your own discretion.
If you're looking for assistance with career counseling, resume and interview preparation, salary negotiation guides, and student employment opportunities, view the Career Resources page to learn more. Additionally, students can leverage key networking and recruitment tools like Handshake, LinkedIn, and USD’s T.E.A.M. network, as well as explore specialized professional certifications.
TimelyCare is a provider of 24/7, no-cost telehealth services for USD students to address common conditions that can be safely diagnosed and treated remotely. TimelyCare services are available at no cost to the student.
USD's Office of Sustainability has a lot of resources available to help the USD community reduce its carbon foot-print and find ways to increase sustainable practices.
The Office of Sustainability website is a great resource that contains more tips and a Data Dashboard detailing USD's progress.
View this Sustain-A-Tips video
Get too many emails? Follow our email opt-out guide to optimize your USD email experience.
If you have completed the entire E-Learning Instructional Design and Development Certificate with a "Pass" grade for each course from the Oregon State University Division of Continuing Education, you may be eligible to receive credit for LDT 500A and LDT 500B in your MS in Learning Design and Technology program!
To start the process of transferring units, email your Program Coordinator and let us know that you’ve completed the certificate. Please make sure that you’ve already submitted your official transcript to the university – we’ll need it to process the transfer.
If you have completed the entire E-Learning Instructional Design Certificate Program with a grade of B or better in each course from UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education, you may be eligible to receive credit for LDT 500A and LDT 500B in your MS in Learning Design and Technology program!
To start the process of transferring units, email your Program Coordinator and let us know that you’ve completed the certificate. Please make sure that you’ve already submitted your official transcript to the university – we’ll need it to process the transfer.
If you earned “Pass with Distinction” in all courses of the Professional Certificate in Digital Learning & Instructional Design, and the certificate was awarded by DLI within 3 years of your intended start term in the MS-LDT, you may be eligible to receive credit for LDT 500A and LDT 500B in your MS in Learning Design and Technology program!
To start the process of transferring units, email your Program Coordinator and let us know that you’ve completed the certificate. Please make sure that you’ve already submitted your official transcript to the university – we’ll need it to process the transfer.
Our community is dedicated to supporting students holistically. Our goal is to increase mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and equip students with essential skills to succeed during their program and beyond. As a student, you have access to resources to support your academic success and personal development.
The handbook is where you can find information on academic expectations, drop and refund policy, technology requirements, curriculum, frequently asked questions, and more.
It is the policy of the University of San Diego to adhere to the rules and regulations as announced in this brochure or other University Publications. The University nevertheless hereby gives notice that it reserves the right to expand or delete or otherwise modify this online publication whenever such changes are adjudged by it to be desirable or necessary. Changes will be made periodically as needed.
In your program, you can think of Canvas as your virtual tool to share information with professors and peers. You will use Canvas to access your course content, find course syllabi, review your assignments, and more. Be sure to use your USD credentials to log in. If you have any difficulty logging into your course, be sure to contact ITS at (619) 260-7900 or [email protected].
The concept of netiquette covers proper communication online. Read our guidelines to help cultivate a supportive and productive online environment.
At USD, you join a community of individuals who are all committed to one common goal: your success. As you familiarize yourself with your team, take the opportunity to virtually meet and connect with the resources available to you as a student. Click on the profiles below to learn more about each office or staff member and watch a brief video about their role in supporting you through graduation.















Whether you're hoping to find a new job or earn a promotion, USD has a wealth of resources available to prepare you for your dream role.
Tuition for the MSLDT program is $735 per unit. With a total of 30 units, the full cost of tuition for the program is $22,050.
Tuition amounts shown on this website, or in other university publications or web pages, represent tuition and fees as currently approved. However, the University of San Diego reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice and to make such modifications applicable to students enrolled at USD at that time as well as to incoming students. In addition, all tuition amounts and fees are subject to change at any time for correction of errors. Please note that the displayed tuition covers only the cost of courses, and additional expenses such as books and other fees are not included.
The online MS-LDT program is a total of 30 units.
Students will enroll in two prescribed courses each semester for a total of six (6) semester units.
4.5-8 units per term is considered part-time status for Graduate students.
The University of San Diego considers 9 or more units per term as full-time status for Graduate students.
All students are manually enrolled each semester by the USD Student Success team. If you are not able to enroll for a term or if you need to drop your courses, it is your responsibility to notify your Program Coordinator. All students will be held to the respective drop deadlines and refund schedule detailed in your Student Handbook.
Login to your my.sandiego.edu student portal. Under the “My Student Account” tab, review the tutorials for directions on how to view and pay your bill, set up a payment plan, and enroll in eRefund (Direct Deposit). View the “Tuition and Payment Methods” on your Student Success Center for further details.
Log into your my.sandiego.edu student portal and navigate to the “Torero Hub” section on the sidebar. Click on the “My Academics” tab and locate the “View My Grades” link in the top-middle section. Alternatively, you can view your program progress at a glance using the “Degree Works” link.
If you notice a grade inconsistency between Canvas and your MySanDiego portal, please email your instructor to verify what the final grade should be. Your instructor has the ability to update the posted grade.
Log into your my.sandiego.edu student portal and then use the “Degree Works” link to view your degree audit.
You can find the “Degree Works” link in the Torero Hub under the “My Academics” page. If you are interested in requesting a tailored degree plan, please email [email protected].
If you need to take time off from your program, please email your Program Coordinator or the Student Success team at [email protected]. Since you have submitted your enrollment commitment, our team will automatically register you in courses each term unless you have previously notified the team about taking a break.
On campus housing options may be available only for full-time on campus students. Housing is very limited for students. We highly encourage part-time and online students seeking housing in San Diego to leverage the resources below including the USD Off-Campus Housing website.
Two of our most popular resources are the Off-campus Housing Facebook page where we list housing options, and our Roommate Finder List.
Please note that the University of San Diego does not research, vet or endorse any of the off-campus apartments listed on our website or the off-campus housing Facebook page. The listings provided are posted by third parties who are not affiliated in any way with the University of San Diego. Students must contact the manager of each apartment building directly regarding questions, current pricing and availability.
No, online degree programs are 100% online and asynchronous so that you will never be required to log in during a specific date or time.
There may be supplemental synchronous opportunities such as Office Hours with your instructor, virtual workshops or on campus events that you may participate in.
Yes, group work is a required component of the master’s degree program. Collaborative projects, team-based assignments, and peer interactions are integrated throughout the curriculum to enhance learning, develop communication skills, and prepare students for real-world professional environments.
Group Work Expectations and Tips for Success
Group assignments are designed to be a unique learning opportunity. While your grade is important, remember that group work is generally not a high percentage of your overall grade. This structure allows you to focus less on pure assessment pressure and more on learning to collaborate which is a core skill for a transdisciplinary, international profession like sustainability.
How to Be a Great Teammate
Empathy and respectful communication are key to turning differences in working style into collaborative strengths:
Setting Expectations
Collaborating Across Differences
Taking Responsibility
To order your official, unofficial, or e-transcript(s), view the transcript ordering options page. Otherwise, you can view unofficial/order official transcripts through your MySanDiego portal. Under the “Torero Hub” sidebar option, click on the “My Academics” page, then click on “Request Official Transcript” under the “My Classes” section.
Congratulations on finishing your program! Diplomas are mailed about 6-8 weeks after the degree requirements have been met and processed. Diplomas are mailed to the current address on file at the time degree requirements are completed. (To check your address information, login to your my.sandiego.edu student portal and view your personal information under My Torero Services.)
You will first be emailed a copy of your e-diploma from Parchment prior to receiving your mailed physical diploma.
Throughout your program and after graduation, your Student Success team is here to help! We recommend contacting your Program Coordinator directly, but you can also email our team address at [email protected].
In addition to our team, your Academic Director is a great resource!
All writing assignments must be formatted according to APA standards. Discussion posts must contain the appropriate APA citations. If you are unfamiliar with APA formatting, or simply require additional writing support, we recommend referencing the Purdue Online Writing Lab (also called OWL@Purdue). In addition to general writing support, the website includes a special section dedicated to APA formatting guidelines.
To further support your writing, we highly recommend using the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) Graduate Student Writing Center. Students are encouraged to submit written course assignments via the digital submission form for online feedback from a professional writing coach. See site for details.
This course moves very quickly, and it is important that you turn in all assignments on or before their due dates. If, because of an emergency, you have missed a week or more of course work, please contact your professor immediately to inform them. While there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to make up your work, informing your professor early is the best way to get back on track and finish your course successfully.
Please do not wait more than a week without informing your professor. If your instructor’s email is not already visible on the Canvas course, please use the USD directory to find their contact information.
The 7-week courses traditionally follow a weekly pattern with three important days:
Please note that there may be some exceptions to this structure. Always refer to the syllabus for deadline details. Please contact the course instructor with any questions.
The course surveys are an opportunity to give your feedback on the course assignments, instructors, pacing, workload, learning management system, accessibility, etc. The feedback is reviewed by school leadership and used to determine how courses should be improved for future iterations. All surveys are completely anonymous – which is why your instructors have to make public announcements asking for everyone to submit their surveys. Feedback in the survey will not affect your final grade.
Course surveys traditionally open during the final weeks of the course and close before final grades are posted. The instructors and USD Student Success Team will remind you to complete these surveys for each class. Your program appreciates the time you take to improve the student experience!
No, it is uncommon for institutions to offer Latin honors or a Dean’s List to graduate students because graduate programs already assume a high level of academic achievement and rigor. The idea is that earning a graduate degree itself signifies excellence, making additional distinctions unnecessary: graduate students are held to a high academic standard, and successful completion of a graduate program inherently reflects significant achievement. For this reason, most institutions, including USD, do not offer Latin honors for graduate students.
If you are looking for a way to highlight your high academic achievement at USD, we recommend including your GPA on your resume, LinkedIn, etc.
All students, staff and faculty need to complete the Title IX online trainings each academic year. See the “Required Online Education Courses for Students” page for details. If the training is not completed, there is a $250 non-compliance fee.
Part-time students are not required to take any action as it relates to Health Insurance. For part-time students, there is no need to waive or provide proof. Full-time graduate students are those enrolled in 9 units or more throughout their program. See the Health Insurance page for details. https://www.sandiego.edu/health-insurance/